How to Create and Optimize Short Links
A practical guide to creating effective short links with PocoLink, from basic setup to advanced analytics.
Getting Started
PocoLink makes URL shortening simple while adding powerful features like app detection and detailed analytics. Here's how to get the most from the platform.
What Makes PocoLink Different
Unlike basic URL shorteners, PocoLink automatically detects when users have apps installed and opens content directly in those apps. This means YouTube links open in the YouTube app instead of a browser, providing a better experience.
Key Features:
- • Smart app detection for better engagement
- • Real-time click tracking and analytics
- • Custom aliases for memorable links
- • QR code generation
- • API access for automation
Creating Your First Link
Prepare Your URL
Make sure your destination URL is complete and working. If you use tracking parameters like UTM codes, add them before shortening.
Example with tracking:
https://example.com/page?utm_source=twitter&utm_campaign=spring2025Paste and Customize
Paste your URL into PocoLink and optionally create a custom alias. Custom aliases make links more memorable and professional.
Avoid:
- • pocolink.com/a
- • pocolink.com/link1
- • pocolink.com/click
Better:
- • pocolink.com/spring-sale
- • pocolink.com/demo-video
- • pocolink.com/newsletter
Test Your Link
Before sharing, test your link on different devices. Check that it opens correctly and that app detection works as expected on mobile.
Understanding Analytics
PocoLink provides detailed insights about your link performance. Here's what you can track and how to use this data.
Key Metrics to Monitor
Available Data:
- • Total clicks and click-through rate
- • Geographic location (city-level)
- • Device type (mobile, desktop, tablet)
- • Browser and operating system
- • Referrer sources
- • Time and date patterns
- • App detection success rate
- • Unique vs returning visitors
Using Analytics Data
Look for patterns in your data. If most clicks come from mobile devices, ensure your landing page is mobile-optimized. If certain times show higher engagement, schedule your content accordingly.
Geographic data helps identify where your audience is located, which can inform localization decisions and posting times to match their time zones.
Best Practices
Creating Effective Links
Do:
- ✓ Use descriptive custom aliases
- ✓ Test links before sharing
- ✓ Add tracking parameters
- ✓ Monitor analytics regularly
- ✓ Use QR codes for print materials
Don't:
- ✗ Use confusing or random aliases
- ✗ Deploy untested links
- ✗ Ignore mobile optimization
- ✗ Forget to track performance
- ✗ Use links for spam
Marketing Applications
Short links work well for social media posts where character count matters. They're also useful in email campaigns, where they look cleaner and provide tracking data.
For offline marketing, generate QR codes from your short links. This bridges print materials like flyers or posters to your online content while tracking offline campaign effectiveness.
Pro Tip:
Create different short links for different channels (one for Twitter, one for Instagram, etc.) even if they point to the same destination. This lets you compare which platforms drive the most traffic.
Ready to Get Started?
You now know how to create effective short links with PocoLink. Start by creating a few test links and exploring the analytics dashboard.
Quick Tips
Make them descriptive and memorable
Always test on mobile and desktop
Check weekly for insights